Option and document fields are essential for creating user-friendly forms and storing files. Option fields let users select from predefined choices, ensuring data consistency and eliminating typos. Document fields enable file uploads, document management, and media storage. Together, these field types make your applications more functional and easier to use.

In this lesson, you'll learn about seven field types: Checkbox, Radio, Select (Dropdown), Multi-Select, Decision Box, File Upload, and Attachments. You'll understand when to use each type, how to configure options, and best practices for option and file management.

The Checkbox field allows users to select multiple options from a list by checking boxes. It displays all options simultaneously, making it easy to see and select multiple choices.

Use checkbox fields when:

• Multiple Selection Needed - Users can select one or more options
• Options Visible - All options should be visible at once (not too many)
• No Search Required - Small to medium number of options (typically 2-10)
• Examples: Skills, interests, features, amenities, permissions

Checkbox fields provide:

• Multiple Selection - Check as many as needed
• Visual Display - All options visible
• Easy Toggling - Click to check/uncheck
• Color Coding - Assign colors to options
• Option Management - Add, edit, reorder, delete options

Checkbox configuration:

• Options List - Define checkbox options
• Display Name - Label for each option
• Value - Internal value stored
• Color - Visual color coding
• Layout - Vertical or horizontal arrangement
• Columns - Multi-column layout
• Default Selected - Pre-checked options
• Required - Must select at least one
• Minimum/Maximum Selections - Limit number of selections

To create checkbox options:

1. Add field and select "Checkbox" type
2. Click "Add Option"
3. Enter option name
4. Optionally assign a color
5. Repeat for all options
6. Drag to reorder
7. Save field

Checkbox best practices:

• Keep options to 10 or fewer for readability
• Use descriptive option names
• Order options logically (alphabetically or by popularity)
• Use color coding for visual categorization
• Consider multi-select dropdown for many options

Skills Field:

• Field Name: skills
• Display Name: Skills
• Options: JavaScript, Python, Java, PHP, Ruby, C#
• Layout: Vertical, 2 columns
• Required: Yes (at least 1)

The Radio field lets users select exactly one option from a list of choices. Radio buttons display all options simultaneously, making the choice clear and easy.

Use radio fields when:

• Single Selection Only - Must choose exactly one option
• Few Options - Typically 2-6 options
• Options Visible - Users should see all choices immediately
• Examples: Gender, yes/no, payment method, priority level, status

Radio fields provide:

• Single Selection - Mutually exclusive choices
• Visual Clarity - All options visible
• Easy Selection - Click to select
• Color Coding - Assign colors to options
• Default Selection - Pre-select an option

Radio configuration:

• Options List - Define radio button options
• Display Name - Label for each option
• Value - Internal value stored
• Color - Visual color coding
• Layout - Vertical or horizontal
• Default Selected - Pre-selected option
• Required - Must select an option

Choose Radio buttons when:

• Few options (2-6)
• Users should see all choices
• Making a choice is a primary action

Choose Select (dropdown) when:

• Many options (7+)
• Conserve screen space
• Choice is less important visually

Priority Field:

• Field Name: priority
• Display Name: Priority Level
• Options: Low (Green), Medium (Yellow), High (Red)
• Layout: Horizontal
• Default: Medium
• Required: Yes

The Select field (dropdown) displays options in a compact dropdown menu. Users click to open the menu and select one option from the list.

Use select fields when:

• Single Selection - Choose exactly one option
• Many Options - More than 6-7 options
• Space Saving - Conserve screen space
• Search Capability - Users can type to search options
• Examples: Country, state, department, category, status

Select fields offer:

• Compact Display - Takes minimal space
• Searchable - Type to filter options
• Scrollable - Handle hundreds of options
• Color Coding - Colored badges for options
• Placeholder - "Select an option..." hint
• Clear Button - Remove selection

Select field configuration:

• Options List - Define dropdown options
• Display Name - Label for each option
• Value - Internal value
• Color - Option color badge
• Allow Search - Enable type-to-search
• Placeholder - Hint text
• Default Selected - Pre-selected option
• Required - Must select
• Clearable - Allow clearing selection

Select field best practices:

• Use for 7+ options
• Enable search for 15+ options
• Order alphabetically or by frequency
• Use clear, concise option names
• Provide helpful placeholder text
• Group related options when possible

Country Field:

• Field Name: country
• Display Name: Country
• Options: 200+ countries
• Allow Search: Yes
• Placeholder: Select a country
• Default: United States
• Required: Yes

The Multi-Select field is a dropdown that allows selecting multiple options. It combines the space efficiency of a dropdown with the multiple-selection capability of checkboxes.

Use multi-select fields when:

• Multiple Selections - Users can pick several options
• Many Options - More than 10 options
• Space Limited - Checkboxes would take too much space
• Searchable - Need to search through options
• Examples: Tags, categories, skills, interests, features

Multi-select fields provide:

• Multiple Selection - Select as many as needed
• Compact Display - Shows selected items as tags
• Searchable - Type to filter options
• Remove Tags - Click X to remove selection
• Select All/Clear All - Bulk selection options
• Color Coding - Colored tags

Multi-select configuration:

• Options List - Define available options
• Display Name - Label for each option
• Value - Internal value
• Color - Tag color
• Allow Search - Enable search
• Placeholder - Hint text
• Default Selected - Pre-selected options
• Required - Must select at least one
• Minimum/Maximum Selections - Limit selections

Use Multi-Select when:

• Many options (10+)
• Need to conserve space
• Search capability important

Use Checkboxes when:

• Few options (2-10)
• All options should be visible
• No search needed

Tags Field:

• Field Name: tags
• Display Name: Tags
• Options: 50+ predefined tags
• Allow Search: Yes
• Placeholder: Select tags
• Required: No
• Maximum: 10 selections

The Decision Box field is a specialized field for yes/no or true/false choices. It displays as a single checkbox with custom labels for checked and unchecked states.

Use decision box fields for:

• Binary Choices - Yes/No, True/False, On/Off
• Agreement - Terms acceptance, consent forms
• Feature Toggles - Enable/disable features
• Status Flags - Active/inactive, published/draft
• Examples: Email opt-in, newsletter subscription, featured item

Decision box fields provide:

• Single Checkbox - Clean, simple interface
• Custom Labels - Different labels for checked/unchecked
• Default State - Checked or unchecked by default
• Visual Indicator - Clear visual state
• Required Option - Must be checked

Decision box configuration:

• Checked Label - Text when checked (e.g., "Yes", "Active")
• Unchecked Label - Text when unchecked (e.g., "No", "Inactive")
• Default Value - Checked or unchecked
• Required Checked - Must be checked to save
• Display Style - Checkbox, toggle switch, button

Terms Acceptance Field:

• Field Name: accept_terms
• Display Name: Terms and Conditions
• Checked Label: I accept the terms
• Unchecked Label: Not accepted
• Default: Unchecked
• Required: Yes (must be checked)

The File field allows uploading a single file to a record. It's perfect for storing documents, images, or any file type associated with a record.

Use file fields for:

• Single Document - One file per record (profile picture, resume, contract)
• Primary Document - Main file for the record
• Specific File Type - When you need to restrict to certain file types
• Examples: Profile photo, company logo, product image, PDF contract

File fields provide:

• File Upload - Click or drag-and-drop
• File Type Restrictions - Limit to specific file types
• File Size Limit - Maximum file size
• File Preview - Preview images
• Download - Download uploaded file
• Replace - Upload new file to replace existing
• Delete - Remove uploaded file

File field configuration:

• Allowed File Types - Restrict file extensions (jpg, pdf, docx, etc.)
• Maximum File Size - Size limit in MB
• Required - Must upload a file
• Storage Location - Where files are stored (Tadabase, S3, etc.)
• Public Access - Files accessible via direct URL

Common file type restrictions:

• Images - jpg, jpeg, png, gif, svg
• Documents - pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx
• Text - txt, csv
• Archives - zip, rar
• All Types - No restriction (use cautiously)

File field best practices:

• Set appropriate file size limits (5-10MB typically sufficient)
• Restrict file types to what's needed
• Use descriptive field names
• Consider security implications of public access
• Use Attachments field for multiple files

Profile Photo Field:

• Field Name: profile_photo
• Display Name: Profile Picture
• Allowed Types: jpg, jpeg, png
• Maximum Size: 5MB
• Required: No
• Public Access: Yes

The Attachments field allows uploading multiple files to a single record. It's perfect for storing collections of documents, images, or mixed file types.

Use attachments fields for:

• Multiple Files - Several files per record
• Document Collection - Supporting documents, invoices, receipts
• Image Galleries - Product images, property photos
• Mixed File Types - Various documents for a record
• Examples: Project files, customer documents, property photos, support tickets

Attachments fields provide:

• Multiple Upload - Upload many files at once
• File Management - Add, view, download, delete files
• File List Display - Shows all attached files
• Individual Download - Download files separately or as zip
• File Type Mix - Different file types in same field
• Thumbnail Previews - Image thumbnails

Attachments configuration:

• Allowed File Types - Restrict file extensions
• Maximum File Size - Size limit per file
• Maximum Files - Limit number of attachments
• Required - Must upload at least one file
• Storage Location - Where files are stored
• Display Style - List, grid, thumbnails

Use File field when:

• Only one file needed
• Specific, singular document (profile photo, main contract)
• Want to restrict to exactly one file

Use Attachments when:

• Multiple files needed
• Collection of documents
• Number of files varies

Project Documents Field:

• Field Name: project_documents
• Display Name: Supporting Documents
• Allowed Types: pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, jpg, png
• Maximum Size: 10MB per file
• Maximum Files: 20
• Required: No
• Display: List view

To add options to checkbox, radio, select, or multi-select fields:

1. Edit the field
2. Click "Add Option"
3. Enter option name
4. Optionally enter custom value (defaults to name)
5. Choose a color
6. Save

To edit existing options:

• Click the option to edit name, value, or color
• Changes apply to all new records
• Existing records retain their values
• Be careful changing option values (affects existing data)

To reorder options:

• Drag and drop options to new position
• Order affects display in forms and tables
• Consider alphabetical or logical ordering
• Most common options first can improve UX

To delete an option:

• Click delete icon next to option
• Confirm deletion
• Warning: Existing records with this option will lose that value
• Consider hiding instead of deleting if data exists

Color coding makes options more visual:

• Status Fields - Red for high priority, green for low
• Categories - Different colors for different categories
• Consistent Colors - Use same colors across app
• Accessibility - Don't rely solely on color (use labels too)

Use this decision guide:

Scenario	Field Type	Why
Multiple selections, few options (2-10)	Checkbox	All visible, easy selection
Single selection, 2-6 options	Radio	Clear choices, all visible
Single selection, 7+ options	Select	Save space, searchable
Multiple selections, 10+ options	Multi-Select	Compact, searchable
Yes/No or True/False	Decision Box	Simple binary choice
One file per record	File	Single file management
Multiple files per record	Attachments	Multiple file management

Practice with option and document fields:

Exercise 1: Create Job Application Table

1. Create table "Job Applications"
2. Add these fields:
   • Applicant Name (Text) - Required
   • Position (Select) - Options: Developer, Designer, Manager, Analyst
   • Skills (Checkbox) - Options: JavaScript, Python, Design, Leadership, Communication
   • Experience Level (Radio) - Options: Entry, Mid-level, Senior
   • Interests (Multi-Select) - 15+ technology interests
   • Available to Start (Decision Box) - Yes/No
   • Resume (File) - PDF only, 5MB max
   • Supporting Documents (Attachments) - PDF, DOC, max 10 files
3. Add color coding to Position and Experience Level
4. Create 3 sample application records

Exercise 2: Create Product Catalog

1. Create table "Products"
2. Add option and file fields:
   • Category (Select) - 10+ product categories
   • Features (Multi-Select) - 20+ product features
   • Sizes Available (Checkbox) - S, M, L, XL, XXL
   • Featured Product (Decision Box) - Yes/No
   • Main Image (File) - JPG/PNG only, 5MB
   • Additional Images (Attachments) - JPG/PNG, max 10
3. Configure colors for categories
4. Upload sample images

Exercise 3: Test Option Management

1. Add new options to existing select fields
2. Reorder options logically
3. Apply color coding
4. Test multi-select search functionality
5. Upload and manage files
6. Try uploading restricted file types (should fail)

Real-world applications:

Customer Support Tickets

• Priority (Radio) - Low, Medium, High, Urgent
• Category (Select) - Technical, Billing, General, Feature Request
• Tags (Multi-Select) - 50+ issue tags
• Resolved (Decision Box) - Yes/No
• Attachments (Attachments) - Screenshots, logs, documents

Real Estate Listings

• Property Type (Radio) - House, Condo, Townhouse, Land
• Amenities (Checkbox) - Pool, Garage, Fireplace, etc.
• School District (Select) - All local districts
• Featured Listing (Decision Box) - Yes/No
• Main Photo (File) - Primary listing photo
• Additional Photos (Attachments) - Property photo gallery

Employee Onboarding

• Department (Select) - All company departments
• Equipment Needed (Checkbox) - Laptop, Phone, Monitor, etc.
• Training Modules (Multi-Select) - All available training
• Background Check Complete (Decision Box) - Yes/No
• ID Document (File) - Driver's license, passport
• Employment Documents (Attachments) - I-9, W-4, etc.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Too Many Checkbox Options - Use multi-select for 10+ options
• Radio for Many Options - Use select/dropdown for 7+ options
• No Color Coding - Colors improve visual scanning
• Poor Option Ordering - Order alphabetically or by frequency
• Vague Option Names - Use clear, specific names
• No File Type Restrictions - Always restrict to needed types
• No Size Limits - Set appropriate file size limits
• Using File for Multiple Files - Use Attachments instead
• Deleting Options with Data - Hide instead of delete

You've learned about seven option and document field types:

• Checkbox - Multiple selections, all options visible
• Radio - Single selection from 2-6 visible options
• Select - Single selection from dropdown (7+ options)
• Multi-Select - Multiple selections from dropdown (10+ options)
• Decision Box - Binary yes/no or true/false choice
• File - Single file upload per record
• Attachments - Multiple file uploads per record

Before continuing, ensure you can:

• Choose appropriate option field for any scenario
• Create and manage options (add, edit, reorder, delete)
• Apply color coding to options effectively
• Configure file fields with proper restrictions
• Understand when to use File vs Attachments
• Set up multi-select with search functionality
• Configure decision boxes for binary choices
• Apply best practices for all option and document fields

Next, you'll learn about connection fields - the most powerful field type that enables relationships between tables.

Knowledge Check (To Be Added)

Quiz will test:

• Choosing between checkbox, radio, select, multi-select
• When to use decision box vs checkbox
• File vs Attachments use cases
• Managing options effectively
• File type and size restrictions
• Color coding best practices